What is needed for Ukrainians aged 18-22 to travel abroad – a list of requirements

Some Ukrainians aged 18 to 22 may face restrictions when crossing the border. To avoid problems when leaving Ukraine, it is necessary to have several important documents with you.

The end of August 2025 was an important milestone, as the government changed the rules regarding border crossing during martial law. Now, men aged 18-22 who are registered in the military and are not wanted can leave the country in accordance with the new rules approved by the Cabinet of Ministers on August 27.

“This decision applies to all citizens of the age mentioned above, including those who are abroad for various reasons. We want Ukrainians to maintain their ties with the country,” Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko noted in Telegram.

It is assumed that the new rules were agreed with the military command. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized during a briefing on August 29 that this decision will not affect the country’s defense capability. At the moment, there is no mass departure of young people at checkpoints.

What documents are needed for departure

The Ministry of Internal Affairs indicated what documents young men need to have to avoid being returned from the border. Departure is possible provided that they have:

a foreign passport;

A military registration document (in paper or electronic form).

The latter is issued at territorial recruitment and social support centers, or it can be obtained through the “Reserve +” mobile application. This norm does not apply to individuals holding certain positions in state and local government bodies – they are released only for business trips.

The text of the resolution does not specify for what period it is allowed to leave the territory of Ukraine. Citizens planning a long-term trip must first withdraw from military registration and register temporarily at a Ukrainian mission abroad.

As of 2025, only specific categories of men, including those with deferrals, those exempt from conscription, or those officially excluded from military registration, can travel without hindrance. This category also includes disabled people of groups 1-3, their accompanying persons, large parents (with three or more children), and others.